Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "さす (sasu)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
さす
さす (sasu)
N4 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
指す
さす (sasu)
N3 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "さす (sasu)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- さす (Level: N4): Translates to "to point, to sting, to stab, to open (an umbrella)" and is used when 複数の意味を持つ言葉です。「指す（ゆびさす）」、「刺す（さす）」、「差す（かさ、光など）」など文脈で使い分けますが、N4では動詞として使う場面が多いです。.
- 指す (Level: N3): Maps to "to point; to indicate" and carries the nuance of Commonly used to mean pointing with a finger.
Bilingual Context for "さす"
目的地を指さす。
To point at the destination.
Bilingual Context for "指す"
彼は遠くに見える山を指した。
He pointed at the mountain visible in the distance.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "目的地を指 ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "To point at the destination.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "さす" is used for "to point, to sting, to stab, to open (an umbrella)" in the context: "To point at the destination.".